Throwing deep should be a strength of the Ravens. Baltimore has the receivers -- Jones and Deonte Thompson -- who can get behind defenses. Injuries kept Jones and Thompson out for a large chunk of the season, but both are healthy now.

This Year's Playoffs Might Be Predictable -- Haha. Remember everyone trying to find playoff teams that wouldn't get back next year? Halfway through the season that looks pretty easy. The Vikings are 1-6, the Falcons/Redskins/Texans are 2-5 and the defending champion Ravens are 3-4. Any of those teams (OK, not Minnesota) could still make it to the playoffs but the postseason picture already looks vastly different than it did just a few months ago.

Hard not to put the world champions at the top of the division back in August, but at 3-4 right now and 1-3 on the road, it sure looks like they miss Anquan Boldin and Dennis Pitta more than I anticipated. It could come down to the Ravens and Chargers for the last playoff spot. Right now I see them as an 8-8 team.

The Ravens aren't playing well this season because the offense isn't producing. Both Joe Flacco and Rice have underwhelmed through the season's first eight weeks. Baltimore's rush offense is ranked 28th so far this year after finishing 2012 ranked 11th. Despite the first half struggles, the Ravens are only one game out of the No. 6 playoff spot in the AFC. However, earning that spot won't be easy, Baltimore still has to play the Bengals (twice), the Patriots, the Bears and the Lions.

You could say the 3-4 Ravens' season is slipping away, but remember this group's ability to rally -- and remember that Baltimore has not yet met division-leading Cincinnati. The only question is, can the Ravens do it without the longtime veterans who led the locker room in 2012?

The Baltimore Ravens slipped another spot even though they were on a bye. This is the Ravens' worst showing in the Power Rankings this year. It's also the lowest the Ravens have ever been ranked since they were No. 16 in Week 14 of 2009.